"Makkah and Madinah News and Updates"

[Sargon of Akkad]

Over 24,000 Yemenis to perform Haj this year

​

Feb 27, 2017

MAKKAH — As many as 24,000 Yemenis will perform Haj this year, according to Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Religious Guidance Ahmed Attiyah.

Speaking after signing the Haj protocol on Saturday, Attiyah said electronic Haj visas for his countrymen would be ready by Ramadan.

The minister met with acting chairman of the board of directors of the Tawafa Establishment for the Arab Pilgrims Mohammed Maajeeni and other board members.

He said the mistakes committed last year by the Yemeni Haj Affairs office were discussed with a view to avoiding them this year.

“Most of the mistakes were caused by the Houthis obstructing the Haj caravans and preventing a number of Yemenis from coming to the pilgrimage,” he said.

Attiyah said his ministry subjects the pilgrims to rigorous Haj awareness programs before they come to Saudi Arabia.

“We also enlighten them about the Kingdom›s rules and regulations so as not to commit any violations,” he added.

The minister said the awareness campaigns are given at the mosques after Friday prayers and through the government's satellite TV channels.

Maajeeni, on his part, said the meeting discussed issues pertaining to the services being provided to the Yemeni pilgrims, including reception, transport, accommodation, sustenance, religious enlightenment at their accommodations, among others.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...form-haj-year/

Prince Faisal inaugurates Quba road project

Thursday 23 February 2017

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman has inaugurated the first phase of the development of the Quba road project.

The preliminary project for the road, which is considered the connection linking the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque, includes improving the infrastructure of the road to mimic the old architectural heritage of the city of Madinah.

It also will add aesthetic touches that keep pace with the modern architectural style, and allocate public squares to create events and other sites for families.

The governor said the project aims to develop and improve critical locations in Madinah, and create attractive tourist destinations and environmentally friendly sites.

The project “is part of a series of development projects that are being implemented by the Madinah Development Authority to highlight sites associated with the inhabitants of and visitors to the city,” he added.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1058511/saudi-arabia
arabic http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?...newsid=1594863

Quba Mosque, Madinah

‏

Miqat Mosque Expansion Project, Madinah

Expansion of Miqat Mosque increases the total area by a ratio of 5

Miqat Mosque Now

Makkah transportation project on schedule

King Abdulaziz Road to facilitate pilgrim movement ​

Prince Khaled Al-Faisal chairs a meeting of the Makkah Development Authority.​

Feb 27, 2017

MAKKAH —Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has followed up with King Abdulaziz Road Project, which is aimed to facilitate transportation for pilgrims and visitors to the holy city.

A source said the emir looked into the latest updates on the project and the progress of work.

“This project is a very important one and will be one of the city’s latest developmental projects. Once the project is complete, it will facilitate the movement of pilgrims and visitors to the city,” said the source.

The source also said the companies responsible for the project reassured that the timeline is followed accurately and there will be no delays in executing the project.

The project, which is currently in its planning stage, is scheduled to be completed by 2019. The companies executing the project are preparing detailed plans, the source added.

The companies are also involved in preparing the designs for the tunnels of Makkah Metro, another major development project in the city, said the source.

He said a 60-meter wide pedestrian walkway will also be built as part of the project.

The Makkah Development Authority is supervising all development projects in the city. “The authority will renovate the northern and southern roads of the city and build new bridges. The authority will also build new parking lots and bus stations,” said the source.

The source said the metro tunnel will be 7.2 kilometers long and will have three stations.

“The companies working on King Abdulaziz Project will ensure that all related projects are also on schedule to avoid any delays,” said the source.

The source said King Abdualziz Road will run parallel to Umm Al-Qura Road and will pass through five random districts of the city.

“The road will pass through Al-Rusaifa, Al-Tandabawi, Al-Zuharain, Al-Hindawiyah and Jabal Ghurab districts. A total of 3,626 real estate properties were demolished to construct the road,” said the source.

He said several top class hotels and mosques would be built along the road to extend high quality services to the pilgrims and visitors.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...ject-schedule/

Nice photo taken from a rare angle.


Sacred Mosque by Maher Najm, on Flickr

 

[Sargon of Akkad]

Makkah 1/3❤ by غيداء يوسف الدخيّل, on Flickr

Mashid al-Haram by Ferdousi Begum, on Flickr

Makka by Mahmoud Abuabdou, on Flickr

Old photo

Mekkah's Great Mosque... (HDRi) by Nomad Saleh, on Flickr

masjid nabawi by khled @elgende2010, on Flickr

Al-Masjid Al-Haram by King | حسن أبوالريش, on Flickr

ALMADINAH by Muhammad Bakhdar, on Flickr

2016-08-29_08-22-10 by nabil elsherif, on Flickr

Looking westward at the umbrellas of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (The mosque of the Prophet) by Omar A., on Flickr

Bab Malik Fahd , Masjid Nabawi-Madinah by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

The Holy Ka'aba by Rehan Jamil, on Flickr

Madinah by Akram Saleh Alsinany, on Flickr

DSC_3783 by nabil elsherif, on Flickr

quba mosque by Harry Purwanto, on Flickr

Makkah - the most peaceful city in the world - l by Ferdousi Begum, on Flickr

RM21012_Masjid_Nabawi_Panorama_012 by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

 

[Saif al-Arab]

RM21013_Masjid_Nabawi_Panorama_013 by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

Masjid_Nabawi_Southern wall by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

Green Dome of the Masjid Nabawi. by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

Meharab of the Holy Prophet's Mosque by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

Inside view from Holy Mosque by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

1009RM_Masjid_Nabawi_Arches_Madinah by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

Untitled by WaytoPixel.com, on Flickr

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Shoura studies Umra visa extension proposal

Saturday 11 March 2017

RIYADH: A Shoura Council member said the council is expected to adopt a proposal to extend the Umra visa period to three months after it is studied, Al-Watan newspaper reported Friday.

Vice chairman of the council’s financial committee, Dr. Fahad bin Jumah, said the extension will be based on meeting certain conditions, including the financial capacity of extension seekers.

An extended Umra visa would enable pilgrims to enjoy local tourist activities and attractions, support the economy and local tourism, and create jobs as medium and small businesses supporting tourism will emerge, he added.

Jumah said insufficient investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, is obstructing tourism activity, and the private sector is insufficiently encouraged.

He called on the General Authority for Entertainment to distribute tourist activities in different regions of the country to develop tourist services. He also recommended that tourist activities include national heritage.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1066626/saudi-arabia

Do it.

Pakistani goverment moves to curb multiple Hajj to facilitate new pilgrims​

March 10, 2017​

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced that applicants, who have performed Hajj in the last seven years, will not be eligible to apply for the religious pilgrimage under the government scheme in 2017. Hajj-e-Badal will be allowed only through private Hajj scheme.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at the PM House on Thursday regarding arrangements for Hajj 2017. Session was presided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and he was given a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The premier directed the religious ministry to take initiatives, and ensure better facilities for pilgrims at the minimum possible cost.

He was informed that the annual Hajj agreement for the year 2017 had been signed with Saudi Arabia, and the quota, which was reduced due to expansion of Haram Sharif in 2013, was restored from 143,368 to 179,210.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Hajj ministry has been requested to enhance the country’s quota by at least 15,000 on the basis of current population of Pakistan.

The PM directed that special attention must be given to make arrangements at the airports; provision of three daily meals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalfa, and general facilitation for Hujjaj in lodging and travelling.

He said the government would provide all possible support to the Ministry for facilitating the guests of Allah in performing Hajj comfortably and securely.

Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yusaf said applications for the government Hajj scheme increased from 86,919 in 2013 to 280,617 in 2016. “Over 300% increase in applications in three years is a testament of public confidence and trust in the government,” he was quoted as saying.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1351260...-new-pilgrims/

Service of Guidance in 7 languages
at the Grand Mosque​

English, Urdu, Indonesian, Malay,
French, Turkish, Persian and Hausa

Iran to Dispatch about 80,000 Hajj Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia This Year: Official ​

March, 05, 2017

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran plans to send at least 80,000 nationals to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage this summer provided that remaining issues are resolved in the ongoing talks with Riyadh, the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Hajj and pilgrimage affairs said.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Sunday, Ali Qazi-Askar highlighted the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia on the Hajj pilgrimage of Iranians and said most of the disputed issues have been resolved in the negotiations, expressing the hope that the remaining problems would be resolved in coming days.

He said if the issues are completely resolved, the two sides will witness the dispatch of Iranian nationals for Hajj pilgrimage.

“In the next (Iranian) year, we will dispatch at least 80,000 Hajj pilgrims to the Land of Revelation (Mecca),” he said.

An Iranian delegation traveled to Saudi Arabia on February 23 for the talks on the Hajj pilgrimage of Iranians.

More than 1.8 million faithful took part in last year’s Hajj, but Iranians stayed at home after tensions between Riyadh and Tehran boiled over following a deadly crush of people during the 2015 pilgrimage.

On September 24, 2015, thousands of people lost their lives in the crush after Saudi authorities blocked a road in Mina during a ritual, forcing large crowds of pilgrims to collide.

The crush was the deadliest incident in the history of the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia claims nearly 770 people were killed in the incident, but officials at Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization say about 7,000 people, including over 460 Iranian pilgrims, lost their lives.

https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2...-year-official

Jabal Omar wins go-ahead for project site expansion​

March 2017

Jabal Omar Development, the largest listed real estate group in Saudi Arabia by market capitalisation, has won approval from Makkah Region Development Authority to increase the construction area of Phases 5, 6 and 7 at its upcoming development in the city.

With this move, the total construction area will increase by 494,622 sq m, to 1.66 million sq m from 1.17 million sq m, reported Argaam.

Once completed, the Jabal Omar project will include five-star and four-star hotels on a total developed area of 2 million sq m, with the capacity to host 36,000 persons during most of the year and more than 100,000 persons during the Hajj.

The main hotel towers with their interconnecting upper bridge will form a major landmark to the project and serve as a gateway to the Grand Mosque.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) had suspended Jabal Omar from trading today pending this announcement, said the report.

http://tradearabia.com/news/CONS_321759.html

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Shoura studies Umra visa extension proposal

Saturday 11 March 2017

RIYADH: A Shoura Council member said the council is expected to adopt a proposal to extend the Umra visa period to three months after it is studied, Al-Watan newspaper reported Friday.

Vice chairman of the council’s financial committee, Dr. Fahad bin Jumah, said the extension will be based on meeting certain conditions, including the financial capacity of extension seekers.

An extended Umra visa would enable pilgrims to enjoy local tourist activities and attractions, support the economy and local tourism, and create jobs as medium and small businesses supporting tourism will emerge, he added.

Jumah said insufficient investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, is obstructing tourism activity, and the private sector is insufficiently encouraged.

He called on the General Authority for Entertainment to distribute tourist activities in different regions of the country to develop tourist services. He also recommended that tourist activities include national heritage.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1066626/saudi-arabia

Do it.

Pakistani goverment moves to curb multiple Hajj to facilitate new pilgrims​

March 10, 2017​

ISLAMABAD: The government has announced that applicants, who have performed Hajj in the last seven years, will not be eligible to apply for the religious pilgrimage under the government scheme in 2017. Hajj-e-Badal will be allowed only through private Hajj scheme.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at the PM House on Thursday regarding arrangements for Hajj 2017. Session was presided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and he was given a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The premier directed the religious ministry to take initiatives, and ensure better facilities for pilgrims at the minimum possible cost.

He was informed that the annual Hajj agreement for the year 2017 had been signed with Saudi Arabia, and the quota, which was reduced due to expansion of Haram Sharif in 2013, was restored from 143,368 to 179,210.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Hajj ministry has been requested to enhance the country’s quota by at least 15,000 on the basis of current population of Pakistan.

The PM directed that special attention must be given to make arrangements at the airports; provision of three daily meals in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalfa, and general facilitation for Hujjaj in lodging and travelling.

He said the government would provide all possible support to the Ministry for facilitating the guests of Allah in performing Hajj comfortably and securely.

Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yusaf said applications for the government Hajj scheme increased from 86,919 in 2013 to 280,617 in 2016. “Over 300% increase in applications in three years is a testament of public confidence and trust in the government,” he was quoted as saying.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1351260...-new-pilgrims/

Service of Guidance in 7 languages
at the Grand Mosque​

English, Urdu, Indonesian, Malay,
French, Turkish, Persian and Hausa

Iran to Dispatch about 80,000 Hajj Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia This Year: Official ​

March, 05, 2017

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran plans to send at least 80,000 nationals to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage this summer provided that remaining issues are resolved in the ongoing talks with Riyadh, the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Hajj and pilgrimage affairs said.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Sunday, Ali Qazi-Askar highlighted the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia on the Hajj pilgrimage of Iranians and said most of the disputed issues have been resolved in the negotiations, expressing the hope that the remaining problems would be resolved in coming days.

He said if the issues are completely resolved, the two sides will witness the dispatch of Iranian nationals for Hajj pilgrimage.

“In the next (Iranian) year, we will dispatch at least 80,000 Hajj pilgrims to the Land of Revelation (Mecca),” he said.

An Iranian delegation traveled to Saudi Arabia on February 23 for the talks on the Hajj pilgrimage of Iranians.

More than 1.8 million faithful took part in last year’s Hajj, but Iranians stayed at home after tensions between Riyadh and Tehran boiled over following a deadly crush of people during the 2015 pilgrimage.

On September 24, 2015, thousands of people lost their lives in the crush after Saudi authorities blocked a road in Mina during a ritual, forcing large crowds of pilgrims to collide.

The crush was the deadliest incident in the history of the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia claims nearly 770 people were killed in the incident, but officials at Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization say about 7,000 people, including over 460 Iranian pilgrims, lost their lives.

https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2...-year-official

Iranian pilgrims will participate in the Hajj season of this year

In the past year, no Iranian participated in the Hajj, which was a first in three decades, following a diplomatic crisis between Tehran and Riyadh. (AFP)​

Staff writer, Al Arabiya English
Friday, 17 March 2017

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umra and the Pilgrimage Organization of Iran completed all the necessary arrangements for the participation of Iranian pilgrims in the Hajj season of 2017 (1438AH), according to the approved procedures with various Islamic countries.

This comes from the directives of the Saudi Government led by Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and the deputy Crown Prince.

The Minister of Hajj and Umra Dr. Mohammed Benten met with the President of the Pilgrimage Organization Hamid Mohammedi and his accompanying delegation, to discuss Iranian pilgrims’ affairs arrangements for Hajj this year 2017 (1438AH).

In the past year, no Iranian participated in the Hajj, which was a first in three decades, following a diplomatic crisis between Tehran and Riyadh after Iranian protesters attacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.

Last Update: Friday, 17 March 2017 KSA 16:10 - GMT 13:10

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/Ne...ticipate-in-the-Hajj-season-of-this-year.html

Jabal Omar wins go-ahead for project site expansion​

March 2017

Jabal Omar Development, the largest listed real estate group in Saudi Arabia by market capitalisation, has won approval from Makkah Region Development Authority to increase the construction area of Phases 5, 6 and 7 at its upcoming development in the city.

With this move, the total construction area will increase by 494,622 sq m, to 1.66 million sq m from 1.17 million sq m, reported Argaam.

Once completed, the Jabal Omar project will include five-star and four-star hotels on a total developed area of 2 million sq m, with the capacity to host 36,000 persons during most of the year and more than 100,000 persons during the Hajj.

The main hotel towers with their interconnecting upper bridge will form a major landmark to the project and serve as a gateway to the Grand Mosque.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) had suspended Jabal Omar from trading today pending this announcement, said the report.

http://tradearabia.com/news/CONS_321759.html

http://www.fosterandpartners.com/new...-saudi-arabia/
http://worldarchitecture.org/archite...for_mecca.html

Project site at the bottom of the pic

http://www.jabalomar.com.sa/ar/single_news.php?item=16

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Ramadan » to begin on May 27, says scholar​

March 22, 2017

JEDDAH — The fasting month of Ramadan will start this year on Saturday, May 27, and will last for 29 days, local daily Al-Madina reported on Tuesday, quoting a statement by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al-Manie, member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Al-Manie said the month of Shaaban, which precedes Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, would have 30 days.

The Eid Al-Fitr will fall on Sunday, June 25, with the fasting month ending on Saturday, June 24, he said.

The scholar’s statement was based on astronomical calculations for the beginning and end of Islamic months for Makkah.

According to Al-Manie, the month of Haj this year will be of 29 days and will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

“Accordingly, the Arafat Day, marking the climax of the pilgrimage, will be on Thursday, Aug. 31, and the Eid Al-Adha will be on Friday, Sept. 1,” he said.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...-says-scholar/

King approves building Qur’an Oasis in Madinah​

March 22, 2017

MADINAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approved the establishment of an iconic Qur’an Oasis project in Madinah.

This was announced by Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).

“The oasis will be an integrated world-class cultural and knowledge landmark that showcases everything pertaining to the holy book,” he said.

The King also approved the allocation of 200,000 square meters of land along King Salman Road near Prince Muhammad International Airport to SCTA to implement the project in coordination with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Madinah mayoralty, Madinah Development Authority, and with the partnership of the private sector. Prince Sultan thanked the King for his approval to establish the historic project after four-year-long studies and designing.

An expert committee was formed in 2012 to carry out studies about the proposal presented by Prince Sultan following a royal decree. An international bid was invited for presenting the best designs for the project and the winning project was chosen by a jury.

The oasis will serve both academic and recreational purposes.

It will also display more than 3,000 rare manuscript copies of the holy book.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...oasis-madinah/

Haj Ministry working to increase bed capacity in Madinah hotels​

March 28, 2017

MADINAH — The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has announced that it is working on increasing the capacity of hotel beds in the prophet's city to 700,000.

Deputy Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammad Al-Baijawi has said the ministry aims to support the local economy of Madinah by increasing the bed capacity in the hospitality sector.

“Being able to host more visitors and pilgrims in Madinah will definitely strengthen the region’s economy and create jobs for the local youth. The ministry also wants to improve the Haj services, which include accommodation arrangements for the pilgrims,” said Al-Baijani.

He said the ministry participated in a forum on the hospitality sector in Madinah on Saturday.

“The forum hosted decision makers, stakeholders and intellectuals to discuss the potentials of expanding the capacity of the hospitality sector in Madinah. The forum was supported by Madinah Emir Prince Faisal Bin Salman as it is the connecting point between the public sector and society,” said Al-Baijan.

He said the forum discussed the importance of the private sector’s involvement in increasing the capacity of beds available for visitors and pilgrims.

“In four years, the number of pilgrims will increase to 15 million. The number of hotel beds currently available in Madinah is 320,000 during the Haj season and 150,000 during the rest of the year. Two residential projects are currently under construction in the city,” said Al-Baijan.

He said the Dar Al-Hijra Project, being built on an area of 16 million sq. meters at a cost of SR55 billion, will have a capacity of 120,000 beds. The Ardh Hujaj Al-Bir Project will cost SR18 billion and will provide 66,000 beds.

“The ministry has been improving Haj services for the past few years. Pilgrims used to wait for 16 hours to reach their accommodation after landing in Madinah but now the waiting time is only wait 25 minutes,” said Al-Baijan.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...adinah-hotels/

Dar Al-Hijra Phase #1, Madinah

Mecca by bicycle
From Whitechapel to Mecca by bicycle: 2000 mile pilgrimage to raise funds for ambulances in Syria​

28 Mar 2017

A group of Londoners will set out to ride from the capital to Saudi Arabia this summer

Once in their lifetime all Muslims are obliged to undertake Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. A tradition stretching back thousands of years the journey to the Great Mosque was often a trip of epic proportions for those muslims who found themselves living far from its location in what is now modern day Saudi Arabia. However, in an age where aeroplanes and package travel have shrunk the world, most pilgrims now elect to travel by modern means.

This summer a group of cyclists from Whitechapel, East London are aiming to instead complete the arduous journey of 2,200 miles from the capital by bicycle.

Organisers Don Whyte and Shaheb Yusuf Muhammd met in early 2015 on a cycling club charity bike ride from London to Paris.

'Up until then, honestly, I thought I was the only Muslim cyclist in London. I'd been cycling since the age of 9 or 10, and on a road bike since 2007, which I used to commute to university, work and to the mosque, where I currently work and am trying to get Muslims on bikes,' explained Muhammd.

'I think it's working. There's a cycling revolution happening in the Muslim community here.

'Last year an individual cycled from China for Hajj, and a couple of weeks later a Russian. In previous years two people cycled from South Africa. So that means the way from the Far-East, Eastern-Europe and Africa have been paved.

'We hope to be the pioneers of this epic journey from the Western Hemisphere,' he added.

Along with being involved with the Ride 4 Your Mosque initiative that encourages the community to take up cycling for a healthier lifestyle, Muhammd and other riders have been busy taking part in long distance cycling over the weekends for training, including in the Cotsworld and the Chilterns.

'We aim to cycle little and often during the week and try to sign up for sportive events when possible.

'On one sportive last year I was fortunate enough to meet Chris Froome, who I spoke to about Hajj Ride and he gave me some really good advice on training and nutrition,' Muhammd told Cyclist.

Scheduled to depart on 14th July 2017 they plan to travel for six weeks, climbing 110,000 feet of elevation and crossing through seven countries on the way to Medina, where they'll join the around two million other pilgrims making the annual trip.

Sleeping out in tents they aim to travel light with the intention of covering around 80 miles per day. Once they reach Saudi Arabia they’ll have to contend with desert conditions and average temperatures well above 40°C.

Billed as ‘The Pedallers' Pilgrimage’, along with fulfilling the Hajj the participants are looking to raise significant sums to send ambulances into Syria, which is currently beset by a brutal civil war.

Working with Human Aid, each of the registered riders is aiming to raise £30,000 to support the charity.

With riders from 15 countries having expressed interest, the selected riders will spend the next next few months training together and via Strava in order to be ready to depart come July.

http://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/2461/f...-ambulances-in

The Bakery that trusts people to pay

March 31, 2017

What I love about stepping into bakeries is the waft that hits your face with the heartwarming smell of freshly baked bread. This particular bakery in Makkah is lined with shelves filled with a whole variety of delicious breads: white and whole wheat pita bread, buns, and rolls. However, this bakery in Makkah is different from almost all other bakeries.

In this bakery, there are no cashiers, security cameras, or sales persons. The only employees are the bakers who are busy working in the kitchen in the back side of the bakery.

The prices for all the baked goods are clearly marked. You take the bread that you need and drop the exact amount of money in a slot in the fixed cash box.

The owner of the bakery, Ghazi Hassan Tass, trusts the goodness in people to pay for the bread that they take. And if someone hungry walks into the bakery who is in need and cannot afford it, he/she can take the bread without paying. The bread is free for those in need.

At the end of every month, Ghazi opens the cash box and counts the money. The amount usually equals exactly what he should have earned. Ghazi says that his customers have proven that you can trust people and that goodness, honesty, and integrity still live on in people.

Ghazi’s bakery has been operating this way for the past year and a half and it has been doing surprisingly well financially.

The walls of the bakery have signs on them saying: “Take the bread yourself and pay yourself.”

“We trust you with no limits.”

People like Ghazi opened my eyes to the goodness in people and I started noticing it everywhere.

When I was recently grocery shopping, two baggers were helping bag my groceries. I always have change in my purse to tip the baggers. I gave one bagger some money and reached into my purse to grab money for the second bagger but before I could find the wad of cash, the man who I gave money to split his tip with the second bagger.

On one of our crazy, rushed mornings getting ready for school, I forgot to give my youngest daughter lunch money. That afternoon my daughter mentioned that her teacher bought her lunch. When I later saw her teacher and thanked her and gave her the money I owed her, she pushed my hand away and said, “Don’t even mention it, my students are like my children.”

What acts of goodness did you witness this week?

http://saudigazette.com.sa/life/fait...ts-people-pay/

Renowated Masjid Sayyid al-Shuhada in Madinah

 

[Saif al-Arab]

The new King Abdulaziz Airport

After a year of delay, construction work on Jeddah’s new King Abdulaziz Airport is now 88 percent complete and the airport is expected to operate in mid-2018. (Photos by Lulwa Shalhoub)

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1093091/new-king-abdulaziz-airport#

From 13 million to 80 million.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Abdulaziz_International_Airport

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Renowated Masjid Sayyid al-Shuhada in Madinah

Ongoing mataf expansion

2 arches left only

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Diplomatic delegation hails Grand Mosque expansion​

May 28, 2017

JEDDAH — Foreign diplomats who visited development projects in Makkah as part of a conducted tour on Thursday hailed the ongoing expansion work at the Grand Mosque and the arrangements being made by the Saudi authorities to facilitate the smooth performance of rituals by worshippers.

The delegation comprised consuls general of Arab and Islamic countries and top Muslim diplomats based in Jeddah.

The visit was arranged by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials explained to the diplomats the increased capacity of the mataf (circumambulation area) following its recent expansion.

Foreign diplomats with Saleh Bin Humaid, imam of the Grand Mosque,
and other officials during their visit to the Grand Mosque.

“The affairs of the two holy mosques have always been a top priority for the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman has been paying special attention to the expansion projects,” Ahmed Al-Mansouri, director of media affairs at the presidency, told the visiting delegation.

He explained to the diplomats the details of the projects and their importance to worshippers from around the world.

Ali Mohammed Ayash, consul general of Yemen who is also the dean of Arab Diplomatic Corps in Jeddah, hailed the efforts of the Kingdom to provide enhanced facilities and comfort for the pilgrims and visitors of the holy city.

Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh and South African Consul General Shoyab Caso were also part of the delegation.

Noor Rahman Sheikh said “the significant and impressive work” under progress would greatly enhance the mosque’s capacity.

He praised the authorities for executing such an ambitious project without causing any difficulties for the worshippers.

The delegation was welcomed by Mohammed Bin Nasser Al-Khozim, deputy chief of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, on behalf of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency. Saleh Bin Humaid, imam of the Grand Mosque, and Jamal Bakr Belkhour, director of the Foreign Ministry’s western region branch, attended the reception.

The tour was organized within the framework of the presidency’s initiative to familiarize diplomats with the “progressive measures” being taken in the interest of pilgrims, Mansouri told Saudi Gazette on Friday.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...que-expansion/

http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?...newsid=1634407
https://www.gph.gov.sa/ar-sa/Pages/n...aspx?nID=24521

Imam's taraweeh spot

http://makkahnewspaper.com/article/6...ampaign=buffer

https://twitter.com/x/status/868329365695844352

 

[Saif al-Arab]

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Friday sermons focus on good deeds during Ramadan​

Saturday 27 May 2017

RIYADH: Jummah sermons throughout the Kingdom welcomed the holy month of Ramadan on Friday, with mosque preachers urging their congregations to do good deeds and give to charity.

The imam at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Huthaifi said Ramadan is a time for worshipers to get closer to Allah and ask for His needs to be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, the Department of Mosques, which maintains more than 7,000 mosques in Riyadh, has directed imams and muezzins to keep mosques tidy and ensure adequate supply of power and water during the holy month to cater for the increased number of worshipers.

Private sector establishments contracted to maintain mosques have been asked to be on duty at night during Ramadan.

Improvised partitions for women are being built in mosques. Some are having their old carpets replaced with new ones, while others are being color-washed to give them a facelift.

Midnight prayers will be conducted from the 20th day of Ramadan until the end of the holy month. These prayers will begin at 1 a.m. for one hour.
Tents will be constructed next to some mosques to enable worshipers coming from Maghrib prayers to break their fast.

Imams are not permitted to undertake any activities related to religious propagation unless they are specifically licensed to do so. They should also ensure that no beggars take alms inside or outside mosques.

No mosque official will be granted leave during Ramadan except under unavoidable circumstances and with convincing reasons.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1105851/saudi-arabia

Extra tracks for buses in five locations to be operational in Makkah

Saturday 27 May 2017

EDDAH: Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Makkah governor and adviser to King Salman, issued directions to operate extra tracks for bus transportation in five locations in the holy capital to facilitate movement of around 35 million pilgrims going to and from the Grand Mosque during Ramadan.

It has been done to facilitate the mobility of residents of Al-Aziziyah, Al-Naseem and Al-Awali neighborhoods, comers via the third and fourth circular roads, and to make available more routes to expedite their travel.

The Higher Commission for Monitoring Pilgrims’ Transportation has completed all arrangements and procedures.

The arrangements involve public transportation and the crowd mobility in all geographic directions from the squares and courts, in addition to the allocation of sidewalks covered with umbrellas, which will be separate from the movement of vehicles, and to use all available public transportation stations.

The Makkah governor and president of the Central Haj Committee endorsed the detailed plan of the Civil Defense for the month of Ramadan. Prince Abdullah bin Bandar was familiarized with the mechanisms of implementing the plan in the field.

The Civil Defense plan is aimed at ensuring the safety of the pilgrims through a previously setup work plan, which includes several elements, the most important of which the application of prior inspections and operating field patrols to make sure of the readiness of housing dedicated to shelter visitors of Makkah, and their provision of safety means.

This is in addition to the safety of crowded shops and places that are most frequented by Umrah pilgrims, worshipers and visitors.

The plan, which is being carried out by 5,000 Civil Defense personnel, supported by light and heavy machinery and equipment, focuses on ensuring the safety of the public, in addition to preventive surveillance and rapid intervention, firefighting measures through fixed, mobile and seasonal firefighting units, as well as rescue and civil protection, training, awareness, support and coordination.

In addition, several command centers will be operational.

Meanwhile, the plan enhances the dissemination of rapid intervention teams and motorcycles for initial engagement in the central area, alongside the firefighting and rescue teams positioned throughout the holy capital.

Specialized teams will be on alert to deal with rescue work and any incident involving hazardous materials.

The hub of operations will include all works and monitoring for civil protection and medical evacuation, as well as customizing the Grand Mosque forces to be stationed in about 70 checkpoints inside the Grand Mosque and the surrounding courts and yards for emergency assistance.

Preventive and educational outreach programs will be intensified via social networks and distribution of leaflets translated into a number of languages to raise the level of awareness to ensure the safety of lives.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1105841/saudi-arabia

9 helicopters for security, safety of pilgrims

May 29, 2017

JEDDAH — The General Command for Security Aviation has started carrying out its plan for the holy month of Ramadan.

Nine helicopters provided with the latest technology and medical equipment are taking part in this year’s Ramadan security and safety mission, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Muhammad Bin Eid Al-Harbi, commander of Security Aviation.

He said the helicopters carry out security and humanitarian tasks and provide logistical support to all government authorities through daily sorties covering the Grand Mosque, the surrounding areas, the roads leading to these areas, and the highways linking Makkah with Jeddah and Madinah.

Security Aviation sends surveillance reports sent by these copters to the Command and Control Center and operation rooms.

Maj. Gen. Al-Harbi said that all helicopters are provided with night vision, thermal system, modern telecommunication technology, first aid and medical equipment to enable them to carry out their tasks in serving the guests of Allah around the clock.

Helicopter pads at King Abdullah Medical City, Al-Noor and Hera hospitals are ready to allow helicopters bring in emergency medical cases.

An inspection tour was carried out to confirm their readiness to receive Security Aviation medical evacuation planes and air ambulances.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...fety-pilgrims/

Prophet’s Mosque embraces the faithful during Ramadan

Sunday 28 May 2017

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman gave instructions that pilgrims and visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque be given assistance and provided all possible services.

These include mattresses placed in the interior corridors and on the roof of the Prophet’s Mosque, drinking water and provision of all the items needed by worshippers around the clock.

Cleaning work at the mosque will also be performed more often, especially after the Maghreb prayer, and worshippers will be guided by ushers to the gates and in the squares adjacent to the mosque.

Security at the Prophet’s Mosque was also enhanced in order to maintain order, guide worshippers and provide assistance if needed.

At the same time, more officers have been assigned to guide circulation on the roads leading to the Prophet’s Mosque, thus helping alleviate traffic congestion and easing the flow of vehicles on the main roads, and to prevent parking in the central region.

Security patrols are deployed in locations close to the Prophet’s Mosque to maintain security and provide assistance to those who need it, as are mobile Red Crescent Authority emergency teams to assist and transport emergency cases to the Madinah crisis and emergency management center, equipped to offer health care.

In an another development, pilgrims and visitors broke the fast on the first day of Ramadan at the Prophet’s Mosque.

On the first day of Ramadan, the people of Madinah perform afternoon prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque and after praying, partake in the breakfast, which contains different kinds of food and beverage, including dates, juice, water, milk, different fruit, meat and rice.

The rich table never fails to impress pilgrims and visitors.

On the other hand, many people contribute to the preparation of the Ramadan banquets, competing to give the best in thanks to Allah Almighty.

The sight of all the fasting people sitting side by side at the tables in and outside the mosque for iftar, of all nationalities and colors, united by piety in great Islamic unity is a fine image of cohesion, faith in this great religion, humility, tranquility and peace of mind.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1106301/saudi-arabia

Allotment of tents in Mina starts

The floors of most of the tents in Mina have been covered with ceramic
tiles under a three-year project which began two years ago.
May 29, 2017

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has asked domestic pilgrim companies to submit SR400 bank guarantee per pilgrim to start the procedures for the allotment of tents in Mina.

The tent allotment process is scheduled to continue till Thursday, June 1.

Bank guarantees must have a one-year validity.

The Kingdom decided to restore from this year the quota of Haj pilgrims which was reduced five years ago due to expansion work in the Grand Mosque and the holy sites.

The authorities imposed a 20 percent cut in the quota for foreign pilgrims while the number of people allowed to perform Haj from within the Kingdom was reduced by 50 percent to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the largest ever expansion in the history of the Grand Mosque.

The floors of most of the tents in Mina have been covered with ceramic tiles under a three-year project which began two years ago.

The tents, which measure 8 meters by 8 meters, were permanently constructed by the Saudi government in 1990 and were upgraded in 1997 to be fireproof.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...s-mina-starts/

 

[Gomig-21]

MashaAllah, well done, Sharif. Keep up the great work. Huge effort on your part I'm sure many like myself appreciate what you do. The live streaming of salaat el taraweeh are great to watch & listen to.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

MashaAllah, well done, Sharif. Keep up the great work. Huge effort on your part I'm sure many like myself appreciate what you do. The live streaming of salaat el taraweeh are great to watch & listen to.

My pleasure brother and great to see you well and alive here. I took a fairly long break from this forum but a few of the old Arab faces returned so I thought I would do the same.

Quba mosque built in one of the many dozen versions of traditional Hijazi architecture:

Great initiative:

Madinah Tourist Bus runs pilot trip​

MADINAH — The “Tourist Bus” conducted the first experimental trip in Madinah on Tuesday. A company specialized in tourism will be operating the buses on behalf of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Development Authority.

Fahad Al-Bayti, public relations officer of the authority, said the pilot trip, which was witnessed by media representatives, businessmen and women, was in preparation for the official launch of the project in coming days. He said the participants in the tour expressed admiration for the arrangements and equipment used.

The double-decker buses are disabled friendly so that people with special needs can also benefit from the unique project.

The trip, which starts from the Prophet’s Mosque, took the visitors to 11 sites in Madinah, including the historical and archaeological landmarks such as Al-Baqea Cemetery, Mount Ohud, the Qablatin Mosque, Sultanah Road and commercial centers.

Al-Bayti pointed that special consideration was given while fixing the price of the tickets to make them accessible to everyone. With emphasis placed on visitors coming from different parts of the world, the tours offer guides who speak eight languages. The project also includes five buses in the first stage, which will increase to 15 later. The service will run for 14 hours daily.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ara...ns-pilot-trip/

Miquat Mosque, Madinah, in another version of traditional Hijazi architecture.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

14 mosques in Makkah being built in original architectural style​

Model of Haya'a Al-Egatha Mosque in Makkah
Monday 10 July 2017

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has began implementing the designs of 14 out of 50 mosques in the Makkan style to increase the Islamic identity of the surrounding Makkah environs.

The agreement was signed between the ministry and the Charitable Foundation for the Construction of Mosques to design and rehabilitate 50 mosques in Makkah, and to review the infrastructure and services of the city and Al-Mashaer area.

The project will also identify the technical features and measurements to build mosques and provide the architectural structures with artistic poise that reflects the past, but in a modern framework.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1127071/saudi-arabia

https://twitter.com/makkahregion/sta...35589007343616

http://www.makkawi.com/News/show.aspx?Id=3839

https://www.makkah.gov.sa/news/show/393

http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?...newsid=1646884

Saudi engineer invents air-conditioned umbrella for pilgrims

Wednesday July 12, 2017 / 18 Shawwal 1438

JEDDAH — A Saudi engineer has invented an air-conditioned umbrella “Makkah Umbrella” which works by using the solar energy or even batteries to assist pilgrims avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion during Haj season as temperatures soar over 40°C in the holy sites.

Mohammed Hamid Sayegh, a resident of Makkah, was asked by a very close friend and his other engineering colleagues to think of creative ideas to make things easy for pilgrims for Haj 2017 especially that weather forecasters are expecting a very hot weather this year.

During the official launch of his invention here in Jeddah, Sayegh said "the demand for umbrellas has soared over the past years due the high heat and most of the foreign pilgrims from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world prefer to use umbrellas during their Hasj journey."

Sayegh first thought of installing a built-in fan inside the umbrella to keep pilgrims cool during the days of Haj.

Describing his invention, he said: “This air-conditioned umbrella works by using solar energy or by being charged by electricity or batteries. It is lightweight (610 gram only), easy to use, has a two-speed fan, and is easily connected to any water bottle installed in the canopy with a hand pump to push the water to the sprinklers.”

The umbrella, he said, is able to work long hours by spraying water through the pumps. It is characterized by high capacities and is economic in water consumption making it an ideal choice for pilgrims, especially during this year and years which will witness unprecedented rise in temperature.”

Raed Matar, marketing and sales manager of “Makkah Umbrella” was happy with the arrival of this umbrella this year which was made in China in order to create an appropriate atmosphere in the holy sites.

He also noted that this unique umbrella will not only be used by pilgrims but also others in this hot weather.

“Because of such high temperature which causes difficulties for the guests of Allah, it made us work hard to make this umbrella available in the market before the start of the Haj season. We have also ensured that the price is affordable for everyone,” he said.

Sayegh has already registered his invention at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/5...Saudi-engineer
arabic http://twasul.info/850040/%20/2017/0...9%84-8-%d8%b3/

 

[Proudpakistaniguy]

My mother and sibling are performing hajj this year. They are in Medina right now and leaving to Makkah this morning . My mother is physically weak so may Allah give her strength to perform hajj in makkah and May Allah (SWT) accept Hajj and the Qurbani sacrifice of all Muslims around the world and also take us in holy city of Makkah and medina as well . Ameen